CORAZÓN TEQUILA ANNOUNCES 2018 RELEASE OF EXPRESIONES DEL CORAZÓN
Barrel Aged Tequila Uses George T. Stagg, Sazerac Rye, and Other Coveted Buffalo Trace Distillery Barrels
CHICAGO, IL (May 30, 2018) – Corazón Tequila is announcing the 2018 release of its limited line of Expresiones del Corazón. Each year Corazón releases a unique lineup of barrel-aged tequila expressions. This year the lineup includes Buffalo Trace Distillery Old 22 Añejo, Sazerac Rye Añejo, and George T. Stagg Añejo, all of which were aged in barrels that previously held some of the world’s most highly awarded whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Also part of the lineup is the Artisanal Blanco.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery Old 22 Añejo was aged at least 22 months in Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon barrels which held whiskey aged at least 22 years, and tastes of toasted caramel, cooked agave, toasted oak, vanilla and light ginger.
Sazerac Rye Añejo was aged 24 months in Sazerac Rye barrels, and has a velvety sweet taste, with caramel, nuts and citrus flavors.
George T. Stagg Añejo was aged 22 months in George T. Stagg bourbon barrels, and has a balanced taste of cinnamon, chocolate and green apple.
The Artisanal Blanco was held for 60 days in stainless steel, and with less aging, is able to brilliantly express the terroir in the tequila. This expression has a sweet, soft, mint, eucalyptus and slightly tangy taste.
Many factors play a role in the creation of these tequilas, however inside the barrel is where all the magic takes place, and is what makes the Expresiones del Corazón line so unique. These tequilas were aged in barrels that once held some of the most sought-after whiskies, each of which imparted its own unique flavor, creating one-of-a-kind tequilas.
The Corazón brand, which falls under the Sazerac umbrella, is produced in Acatic, Los Altos Jalisco at the Casa San Matías Distillery, which has more than 130 years of tequila making experience. That tequila-making experience paired with Buffalo Trace Distillery’s renowned whiskey-making expertise creates an exciting new lineup for this fourth release of Expresiones del Corazón.
The Expresiones del Corazón line has garnered a number of top awards over the years for various limited release expressions. Most recently, Sazerac Rye Añejo was named a Trophy Finalist at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge where it and the George T. Stagg Añejo each received a designation of “Excellent, Highly Recommended.”
“We believe that artistry of aging is a big part of what makes tequila so spectacular, and we’re so lucky that our partners at Casa San Matías welcome the opportunity to experiment and have the expertise to create phenomenal spirits,” Tequila Marketing Manager Megan Hurtuk said. “This year’s release of Expresiones del Corazón is truly unique and feels extra special to us—we cannot wait for everyone to experience these tequilas.”
Using 100 percent blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, the brix for Expresiones del Corazón are measured to determine sugar levels before harvest, rather than a traditional clear cut. Two sets of agave were harvested, one with a lower sugar content and flavored a little drier, and one with a higher sugar content considered a little sweeter for agave, resulting in more floral notes. The result was a harmonization of the two sets of agave in the Blanco, which was then used as the base for the other Expresiones del Corazón.
The agave is slow cooked in stone ovens before being distilled in stainless steel pots using fresh spring water from the Jalisco highlands. The filled barrels are stored in the first row at Casa San Matías aging facility in Acatic, Los Altos Jalisco, where the barrels receive the ideal level of air flow to aid in the again process. The barrels are then evaluated every two months until the desired characteristics are achieved. They are then bottled as single barrel tequilas.
Expresiones del Corazón are now available nationally, however quantities are very limited. The suggested retail price for the Artisanal Blanco is $59.99, Buffalo Trace Distillery Old 22 Añejo is $79.99, George T. Stagg Añejo is $79.99 and Sazerac Rye Añejo is $79.99. The Artisanal Blanco, Buffalo Trace Distillery Old 22 Añejo, and George T. Stagg Añejo are each 80 proof and the Sazerac Rye Añejo is 90 proof.
About Casa San Matías
With more than 131 years of experience, Casa San Matías is one of the oldest tequila distilleries in Mexico, and as a Mexican family owned distillery, is one of the few producers that still use traditional methods to produce its tequila. Casa San Matías was the first in the tequila industry to participate in the carbon footprint program promoted by the United Nations to combat global warming, and is one of only four tequila companies using a biodigester in order to operate environmentally friendly. As the first tequila company to be certified as a “Great Place to Work” and recognized as part of “Top Companies” in Mexico, Casa San Matias is also certified for its “Gender equality.” The Distillery is known for brands like Pueblo Viejo, which is one of the top leading brands in Mexico, as well as other noted brands such as Rey Sol, Orgullo and San Matías. For more information about Casa San Matías, please visit www.sanmatias.com.
About Sazerac
Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.